Teamwork is at the heart of every great achievement
Stoney Fields has established a dynasty in the show ring, particularly with ponies and seems to have perfected a formula for success. The OHJA reached out to Francesca Mulligan and the team at Stoney Fields. As we all plan for the upcoming 2025 show season, we asked their coach and riders, who qualified for the Royal Winter Fair, to reflect on their goals, hard work, achievements and personal thoughts on the 2024 show season.
Stoney Fields head coach Francesca Mulligan with her son Archer Tracy
OHJA: Are the ponies seasoned with miles in the showring already before your riders start with them or are your young riders the ones introducing them to the showring?
Francesca: We believe that young riders really need a solid foundation in the entry level divisions on ponies with more miles than them. We really try to promote leasing in the beginning stages and work hard to find ponies with the ability and mileage to be the best teachers. A good work ethic, tolerance, uphill balance and a solid resume is what we look for.
Once our students have developed a skill set that allows them to aid in the development of green ponies, we consider the option. No younger rider can go about bringing along a less experienced pony without the help of a proper program and a more experienced rider/professional along the way. The needs and parameters of every rider and family is different, so we consider that as well.
OHJA: As the coach, have you run into situations where your pony riders are finding the competition schedule a little overwhelming and how do you help them find a balance and keep it fun, especially if a rider isn’t getting the ribbons they had hoped.
Francesca: The sport is humbling, and the path of learning isn’t linear. The ups and downs can be challenging for all riders, let alone younger ones. We have a great team of kids that support each other and remind each other that they’re not alone on the roller coaster of progress.
We really promote personal bests and improving on last performances rather than actual results. The hunter ring is very subjective and it’s important to remind these kids that they should ride for themselves, not necessarily a score or a ribbon.
Normalizing struggle or failure is important too. Lightening the load of making a mistake can do wonders for a riders’ esteem. This can keep even the challenging days fun.
If the riders are learning, improving and developing ring confidence on the right mounts… the results will come. Focus, empathy (for themselves, their ponies and their peers) and consistency are the building blocks of our program.
Over the next week, we will issue another set of interviews from these up-and-coming pony rider combos to tap into their insights and recipes for success.
Meet: Lauren Gonzalez-Chong
Photo – Madeline Ball
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Show name is Kraftsman and barn name is Kevin.
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Childrens’ Hunter Division
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
My goal was to work with Kraftsman on straightness and understanding his balance and body control.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
My most memorable show was The Champions at Angelstone. This was the first time I was champion with my jumper and did it all on my own. I was reserve Champion with Kraftsman and also won the Medal with him out of a very competitive group. I felt really connected with my horses and as a result we went a step further in our capabilities.
Will you be showing the same horse next year?
I won’t be showing Kraftsman next year. I hope to be in the Jumper/Equitation division.
How often do you train your pony and do you get the chance to help take care of your pony by grooming and brushing it, or mucking its stall sometimes?
I try to ride 2-3 times a week, depending on my school schedule. When I’m at the shows I have a bit more time that allows me to graze the horses, brush them and help with untacking after showing.
Meet: Aarya Armogang
Photo – Spowartholm
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Caught in the Clouds (Kitty) & Orchard Hill’s Secret Treasure (Treasure).
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Medium Pony Hunters and Large Pony Hunters.
How long have you been with the Stoney Fields team?
I’ve been with Stoney Fields since April 2020.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
I wanted to improve. It doesn’t sound like a big goal, but I just want to get a little bit better every time. I think when you compete against yourself and make some improvement that is an achievement. I feel good about that idea. What I find hard on one pony will be different on another pony and I’m learning every year.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
Great Pony Challenge. My ponies were having the best day ever and Caught in the Clouds (Kitty) earned my first score of 90. Orchard Hill’s Secret Treasure (Treasure) scored an 88 that day too. I was so proud of them both. I’ll remember that day forever and I’m really thankful.
Meet: Charlotte Morassutti
Photo – Shawn McMillen
Rider’s name:
Charlotte Morassutti
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Leroy Brown and barn name is Leroy.
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Large Pony Division.
How long have you been riding your pony?
Since December 2023, my first show was WEC Ohio.
How long have you been with the Stoney Fields team?
I have been with Stoney Fields for about 5 years.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
My goal was to get him to The Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and I did it!
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
US Pony Finals.